Gap, if they had not crossed. General Marshall's whole available force did not exceed 3,000 before he started. Enemy advanced at Salyersville; supposed design to cut off Marshall. I am ordered by General Johnston to make this report, and ask instructions from the War Department.

W. G. M. DAVIS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

The PRESIDENT:

General Samuel Jones has been telegraphed the above, with directions to move forward to support Marshall, if he can do so, without waiting further orders.

S. COOPER.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., April 14, 1863.

Brigadier-General DAVIS, Knoxville:

Inform General Marshall at once, by the speediest mode of communication, the facts, as far as you know them, of the enemy's movements and his position. Use all your disposable force to secure General Marshall's line of communication. General Sam. Jones is ordered to do the same.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, April 14, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Tullahoma, Tenn.:

Major-General Maury is ordered to take command of East Tennessee. The President does not consider General Ewell in sufficient physical strength on account of his wound, to assume the active duties of that command at this time.

General S. Jones has been ordered to move forward to support General H. Marshall.

S. COOPER.

Adjutant and Inspector General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A,

Richmond, Va., April 15, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Your attention is invited to the inclosed circular of the Quartermaster-General, designed to organize a system of purchase, and to prevent competition between the officers of the Government in procuring supplies. The suggestions are regarded as important, and it is hoped they will commend themselves to your approval and command your co-operation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

48 R R-VOL XXIII, PT II